Working Remote as a SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) is now more achievable than it’s ever been. Gone are the days when military spouses had to hit pause on their careers when duty called for an overseas move. Thanks to the rise of remote work, spouses are empowered to pursue their professional aspirations from anywhere in the world – even halfway across the globe in beautiful Okinawa, Japan. Moving overseas no longer means sacrificing career progress or putting ambitions on hold. The remote work experience in Okinawa has its joys and quirks, from navigating time zones to discovering the best spots for impromptu beachside office spaces.

Status of Forces Agreement

A frequent and very real concern in the military spouse working community is how a move to Okinawa impacts their employer and paying taxes. Many spouses lose their positions with their U.S. employers because of a lack of understanding of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the U.S. and Japan. This is a situation that could be avoided with the right information.

As spouses of active-duty service members, we are considered SOFA-sponsored personnel. Under SOFA, all non-Japan source income earned by SOFA-sponsored personnel is not taxed by the Government of Japan. Because each of us have a stateside residence, that jurisdiction’s tax laws will apply. U.S. based companies are also not responsible for following Japanese work laws, paying Japanese fees, or paying Japanese taxes. Article XII, Section 7 of the SOFA states that “[m]embers of the civilian component shall not be subject to Japanese laws or regulations with respect to terms and conditions of employment.”

If you are still unsure, or your employer needs more clarification, there is a very informative article here that outlines the SOFA with the Principal Deputy Counsel at the U.S. Forces, Japan Headquarters. You may also reach out to the legal office on your incoming installation for further guidance, if you need it.

In essence, working remote as a SOFA is very possible and there are so many resources available for guiding you in the right direction.

Resources for Working Remote as a SOFA

Now for the all the fun stuff: Okinawa offers remote workers a backdrop of lush tropical landscapes with the soothing sounds of the Pacific Ocean. American Village is bursting with seaside cafes and bakeries perfect for muffling the sound of your email notifications, such as Zhyvago Coffee Works and The Fat Hatter Vista Club. If you are someone who prefers a more office-like setting, Kadena AB offers a trendy workspace with free Wi-Fi, coffee, and plenty of desktop screens to hook your laptop up to. You can join the Remote Work Collective Facebook group here and enjoy the benefits of working in your ideal work environment.

If you are reading this because you are looking for working remote as a SOFA, have prior office experience and are interested in the law, Legal Reinforcements connects military spouses to law firms looking for help with administrative and legal tasks.

With remote work becoming the new normal for a lot of people, job sourcing sites like LinkedIn and Indeed are extremely helpful places to start your telework career search as you begin your journey to working remote as a SOFA.

Don’t let the obstacles of an OCONUS move deter you from pursuing your career. As resilient military spouses, we redefine the boundaries of career and commitment. Through our adaptability and determination, we have turned the challenges of overseas duty stations into opportunities for personal and professional growth. Wherever duty calls, home is where the Wi-Fi connects.

Looking for more? Check out these other popular articles on moving to Okinawa.